In a world where many are leaving the church—but not necessarily giving up on God—we as the church must confront the reality of our failings. This series, "Why Church," serves as a reminder of the church's purpose and relevance in today's society.
The Nature of Growth
Growth is fundamental to existence. From seeds sprouting to businesses expanding their market share, growth permeates all aspects of life. Even Jesus "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and all the people" (Luke 2:52).
Growth, in the context of our spiritual lives, encompasses the development of capacity, control, and compassion.
The New Testament emphasizes that the ultimate measure of growth is loving compassion. It's not about biblical knowledge or church attendance, though these are important. The depth, breadth, and height of our love is the true indicator of spiritual maturity.
Growth, in the context of our spiritual lives, encompasses the development of capacity, control, and compassion.
- Capacity: The ability to love more, have greater patience, and exhibit increased kindness
- Control: The power to regulate thoughts, reactions, and behaviors
- Compassion: An often gut-wrenching, internal response that compels loving action
The New Testament emphasizes that the ultimate measure of growth is loving compassion. It's not about biblical knowledge or church attendance, though these are important. The depth, breadth, and height of our love is the true indicator of spiritual maturity.
The Church as a Place of Growth
Jesus intended the church to be a safe place for people to grow in grace. Grace, the unmerited and unconditional love of God, is demonstrated through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. It's within this environment of grace that individuals can develop and flourish.
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 exemplifies this principle. Jesus, by choosing to dine with the despised tax collector, demonstrated acceptance and worth. This act of grace led to Zacchaeus's transformation, prompting him to make amends and give to the poor.
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 exemplifies this principle. Jesus, by choosing to dine with the despised tax collector, demonstrated acceptance and worth. This act of grace led to Zacchaeus's transformation, prompting him to make amends and give to the poor.
The Danger of Rule-Based Churches
Some churches have strayed from this model of grace, instead creating environments of conditional acceptance based on rule-keeping. These institutions rely on extrinsic motivation, using shame and condemnation to enforce compliance. This approach often stems from a misunderstanding of the Old and New Covenants.
We must remember: the law cannot transform us. As Galatians 3:24 states, the law was only meant to be in effect until Christ came. Now, we live under grace.
John Mark Comer's perspective illustrates this well. Instead of asking, "Is this sinful or not?" we should ask, "Does this move me toward Jesus or away from him?" This change in mindset reflects a life arranged around Jesus rather than around rule-keeping.
We must remember: the law cannot transform us. As Galatians 3:24 states, the law was only meant to be in effect until Christ came. Now, we live under grace.
John Mark Comer's perspective illustrates this well. Instead of asking, "Is this sinful or not?" we should ask, "Does this move me toward Jesus or away from him?" This change in mindset reflects a life arranged around Jesus rather than around rule-keeping.
Growing in Grace: A Journey
Growth in grace is a journey that brings both triumphs and challenges. It involves four interdependent commitments:
1. Deciding to Follow Jesus
2. Spending Time with Jesus
3. Practicing the Ways of Jesus
4. Yielding to the Work of the Spirit
- Deciding to follow Jesus
- Spending time with Jesus
- Practicing the ways of Jesus
- Yielding to the work of the Spirit
1. Deciding to Follow Jesus
Following Jesus is a conscious decision to be his apprentice, to learn his ways of thinking and living.
2. Spending Time with Jesus
Like a grape vine needs a trellis for support and growth, our spiritual lives need structure. This means setting aside time daily to read or listen to the Gospels, inviting Jesus into every aspect of our lives.
3. Practicing the Ways of Jesus
Hebrews 5:14 reminds us that maturity comes through practice. We must actively apply Jesus' teachings in our daily lives - loving our enemies, regulating our anger, not depending on material possessions for our well-being. It's through this practice that we train ourselves to think and act like Jesus.
4. Yielding to the Work of the Spirit
While our efforts are crucial, true transformation comes through the work of the Holy Spirit. As we put ourselves in the right position through the previous three commitments, we allow the Spirit to shape us from the inside out.
The Call to Growth
Are you growing? Or are you stuck? Consider what might be hindering your growth:
Growth in grace is not optional for followers of Christ. It's how we become more like Jesus and impact the world around us. As we grow in capacity, control, and compassion, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of God's grace.
Let us commit to this journey of growth, arranging our lives around Jesus and yielding to the Spirit's work. May our lives be changed from the inside out, becoming a force for change in our world.
In the words of the song:
"Consume me from the inside out, Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love you from the inside out"
May this be our prayer and our lived reality as we grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Have you made the decision to be an apprentice of Jesus?
- Is your life too busy to make space for Jesus?
- Are you spending time with Jesus but not actively practicing His ways?
- Are you resisting the work of the Spirit in your life?
Growth in grace is not optional for followers of Christ. It's how we become more like Jesus and impact the world around us. As we grow in capacity, control, and compassion, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of God's grace.
Let us commit to this journey of growth, arranging our lives around Jesus and yielding to the Spirit's work. May our lives be changed from the inside out, becoming a force for change in our world.
In the words of the song:
"Consume me from the inside out, Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love you from the inside out"
May this be our prayer and our lived reality as we grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.